Psychopathology in acne, psoriasis, and eczema patients: Pre- and post-treatment

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine whether the visibility of dermatological conditions differed with distinct trajectories of psychopathological symptoms before and after dermatological treatment. METHODS: = 54) across two assessment points, using a battery of questionnaires. RESULTS: While both dermatological patient groups exhibited elevated psychopathology compared to controls at both time points, patients with visible acne demonstrated a distinct post-treatment exacerbation of specific psychopathological dimensions (Somatization, OCD, Anxiety, and Paranoid Ideation). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that dermatological treatment alone may be insufficient to alleviate psychological distress, particularly when the skin condition is visibly located. Therefore, a combination of dermatological and psychological treatments is recommended.